Quincy, Weymouth, Plymouth get more than $1.8 million in federal cash for green projects

Friday

Mar 27, 2009 at 12:01 AMMar 27, 2009 at 2:19 AM

Gal Tziperman Lotan

It was news to people at town hall, but Plymouth is in line to get more than half a million dollars in federal stimulus money to help pay for energy efficiency and conservation projects.

In all, three South Shore communities will receive more than $1.8 million. It part of a $3.2 billion U.S. Department of Energy investment in “green” projects nationwide to cut energy bills, create jobs and promote energy independence nationwide.

Massachusetts will receive $42 million for 42 communities across the state.

On the South Shore, Quincy will receive $881,200, Plymouth will receive $514,300 and Weymouth will have $485,800.

Officials in Weymouth and Quincy also said they have yet to hear about the grant.

Lee Hultin, an assistant to Weymouth Mayor Sue Kay, said the town has not been officially notified about the grant but is pleased to be receiving it.

“We’re still trying to figure out where it’s coming from and what it’s for,” she said.

The Department of Energy determined how much money communities receive by considering population and energy use.

Stephanie Mueller, press secretary for the Department of Energy, said the communities won’t receive the money until they outline what projects the money will pay for, how many jobs it will create and how it will help improve green energy opportunities and cut fossil fuel use.

“These grants are a major investment in energy solutions,” she said.

The federal government will hold communities accountable for the money by requiring reports of information including how much money was spent, energy saved and jobs created or retained, Mueller said.

“We want to empower local communities to meet clean energy standards,” Mueller said. “This is an important part of the strategy to reduce fossil fuel emissions.”

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